St. Joseph of the Pines

1. St. Joseph of the Pines Competency 4 By: Delphine Little

2. Recognize the extent to which a culture’s structures and values may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create or enhance privilege and power. • Ex: There is a diverse population of residents who are set apart because of their wealth. I was informed by my supervisor that these residents may have a greater demand. After visiting this particular hall, I decided that I would treat their needs and the entire facility with same courtesy, respect and dignity. I found that your approach, facial expressions and tone of voice are powerful tools as a professional social worker.

3. Gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influences of personal biases and values in working with diverse groups. • Ex: Some residents that are in the long term section of SJP. They may be incompetent and may be unable to speak. During my visit, I do not ignore them nor do I overlook them. I make sure that I acknowledge them and greet them in the same manner that I would any other resident.

4. Recognize and communicate their understanding of the importance of difference in shaping life experiences. • Ex: When I am interviewing the residents, some may have concerns in completing the interviews because of exposing personal information about their well being. I attempt to make each resident feel secure in answering the questions also making sure that I allow the residents to understand the purpose of the interviews and that they are kept confidential.

5. View themselves as learners and engage those with whom they work as informants. • There is a rehabilitation unit where many of the clients return home after rehab. I try to treat each resident with dignity and respect so that when they return back to the community, that they become informants about SJP and how the social workers treated them kindly and aided in their healing process.